Portugal to Ireland: The History & Traditions of Europe

Welcome to Lisbon. Portugal’s coastal capital is famous for its mosaic streets, ancient ruins, white-domed cathedrals and, of course, delicious Portuguese tarts. Upon boarding your 6-star, ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, be warmly greeted by the expert crew. With just up to 228 guests on board, get ready to experience an immersive, engaging voyage through this fascinating part of Europe. Ask your butler to bring a glass of Champagne to your suite and toast the start of the cruise from your private verandah.  Then, join your fellow guests on the Observation Deck as you sail north along the wild and windswept coastline for Porto.  Please book your flight to arrive into Lisbon prior to 02:00 PM.

Spend the morning getting to know your 6-star ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht before we arrive in Porto around midday. One of Portugal’s largest seaports, Leixões is just 8km from the heart of Porto, where the city shares its name with one of the country’s best-known exports, port wine.  Located at the mouth of the Douro River, Porto is a World Heritage-listed city of baroque splendour, Gothic cathedrals, and incredible food. Wander through winding alleys lined with houses decorated with Portuguese tiles, see the city’s street art, and take in the views from the cable car and funicular.

Start your day relaxing in the ultra-luxury of your suite. Ask your butler to bring you breakfast in bed after perusing the comprehensive 24-hour in suite dining menu. Alternatively, choose to savour it in the Yacht Club before arriving in Ferrol around lunchtime.  Explore the boutiques and Galician-style houses in Ferrol’s Magdalena neighbourhood, a declared Historic-Artistic site, and visit the 18th century San Felipe Castle, where bulwarks and cannons defended the city.   Today you may be able to go kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in one of the largest harbours in Spain or explore the fantastic scenery from above in one of our two on board helicopters^. If conditions and permissions allow, delve below the horizon in our custom-built submarine^, Scenic Neptune. 

Start your day with a class in the complimentary PURE: Yoga & Pilates studio, where sessions include Aerial Yoga, TRX suspension training and Tibetan sound bowl healing, or work out in the fully equipped state-of-the-art gym, where one-on-one fitness coaching sessions are available.   Today, youll explore Avilés, a historic city located in the Asturias region of northern Spain. The citys old town, or Casco Antiguo, features a range of well-preserved medieval buildings and streets, providing a glimpse into the areas rich heritage. Highlights include the Plaza del Carbayedo, a charming square surrounded by traditional buildings and home to a lively weekly market. Regarded a hidden gem of northern Spain, the city is also known for its cultural scene and laid-back atmosphere.  In the evening, share your travel notes with your new friends over dinner in one of up to 10 all-inclusive dining experiences on board your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht. From contemporary French fine dining at Lumière to steak and seafood cooked to perfection at Elements and the freshest sushi at Koko’s, youll see a Scenic Eclipse voyage is also a culinary journey. 

Today youll explore Bilbao, deemed one of the Basque Country jewels. This vibrant city is famous for its striking modern architecture, home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, which showcases contemporary art and is a must-visit attraction.  Bilbao also boasts a rich cultural heritage, which can be experienced by visiting landmarks such as the Basílica de Begoña and the Casco Viejo, or the charming old town. Its also a culinary hotspot, with a range of pintxo bars and restaurants serving up traditional Basque cuisine.

Enjoy a relaxed and delicious breakfast in the privacy of your ultra-luxury suite or meet your fellow guests at the Yacht Club. Then, set out to explore the charming San Sebastián. With its rich culture, history, and natural beauty, this Basque city has something to suit every interest and pace. The famous La Concha Beach offers beautiful views of the Bay of Biscay, where the historic old town, known as Parte Vieja, is home to some of the citys most iconic landmarks, including the Basilica of Saint Mary of the Chorus and the San Vicente Church. Less than ten kilometres from San Sebastián is the picturesque fishing village of Pasajes. Enjoy a late-night departure from San Sebastián.

Luxuriate in a relaxing day at sea before we arrive in Pauillac this evening. Indulge in the expansive Senses Spa, where you can be pampered with premium ESPA products and treatments blending traditional holistic therapies and modern-day techniques. Perhaps select a treatment* from the extensive list of facials, massages, body treatments and more. The 550m2 facilities also include Scandinavian inspired plunge pools, infrared women’s and men’s saunas, steam room a relaxation lounge and outdoor pool area. Sip specialty Kusmi teas and aromatic illy coffee as you read a book in the Observation Lounge or opt for a cocktail with a view in one of the cabanas near the Panorama Bar.  As we sail towards Bordeaux’s Medoc peninsula, join your new travel friends in raising a glass of Champagne before enjoying the finest multi-course French culinary experience at Lumière. 

The vineyards around this small town produce some of the most prestigious wines in the world, including three of the five Bordeaux First-Growth wines. Explore some of wine regions highlights or perhaps take one of Scenics complimentary e-bikes for an easy ride.  In Bordeaux, about 50km from Pauillac, experience the citys 18th century grandeur, including the opulent blue and gold auditorium in the Grand Theatre and one of Europes largest squares, the Place des Quincences. Learn about wine making in Bordeauxs interactive wine museum, La Cité du Vin and perhaps step into an immersive world of art at Bassins des Lumières. This former submarine base is now a centre of digital art where youre surrounded by 360° projections of works by great masters set to music. 

After breakfast, perhaps start the day with a visit to the bridge, where the captain will explain to you the technical abilities of your ultra-luxury yacht, including the Azipod propulsion systems, which deliver the lowest noise and vibration levels possible, while enjoying one of the best viewing areas on the ship. Then set out to enjoy your last day in this captivating town with a stroll along the waterfront. See 19th century houses and charming cafes, indulging in a little more local Bordeaux wine before we set sail in the afternoon. Continue your world-class wine tasting on board at one of Scenic Eclipses all-inclusive nine bars and lounges. You may also opt for an aged whiskey at the Scenic Lounge Bar or a cocktail in your cabana beside the Panorama Bar. Your in-suite mini-bar is also restocked daily with premium beverages, so you can also relax with drinks in the privacy of your verandah at any time. 

In the walled town of Concarneau you can walk along cobbled streets and around 14th century ramparts with views of the harbour and colourful town houses. Visit Keriolet Castle, a 13th century chateau that was given an extravagant neo-gothic renovation by a Russian imperial princess. The pretty and protected bay is ideal for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Alternatively, you can stroll along the beautiful beach and marina. Back on board, be led through a meditation or crystal sound therapy beside large amethyst clusters in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates studio or raise your heart rate on the stationary bikes and rowing machine in the POWER: Gym as we sail in the afternoon. After dinner, enjoy entertainment in the on board state-of-the-art theatre or ask your butler to set a private dinner for two on your verandah before watching a movie on your suites HDTV with Bose® speakers. 

Just off the coast of Cornwall, the Isles of Scilly are home to some of the UK’s best beaches. St Mary’s is the largest island in the archipelago and has a population of 1,800, mostly in the island’s hub of Hugh Town, where you can visit local craft studios as well as rum and gin distilleries.   You might have the opportunity to explore the incredible scenery with a hike along nature trails with an expert local guide. Or discover the largely traffic-free island’s gentle slopes by e-bike or kayak and stand-up paddleboard along the shoreline. Soar above the Scilly Isles’ white sandy beaches and clear blue waters in one of our two on board Airbus helicopters^. Featuring wrap around windscreens, wide windows as well as Bose®?noise cancelling headphones, these are some of the quietest aircrafts in the travel industry.

Your journey ends this morning back in Dublin. Savour one last breakfast in your suite before saying goodbye to your new friends and the crew who shared this voyage with you.  As you disembark and follow your onward journey, know that the last 12 days have created memories that will last a lifetime.  Please book your flight to depart out of Dublin after 12:00 PM. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the cruise will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.